Extraterrestrial Noir

by Rich Leder

An extraterrestrial the size and shape of a boot box crashes into the New Jersey cul-de-sac Colonial of a film-noir-obsessed family on the sharp edge of emotional, marital, and financial insolvency; rearranges its subatomic structure; and presents itself as the couples’ long-time film-noir lust late noir icons Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. In short order, Alan/Veronica displays an appetite for suburban debauchery, depravity, decadence, and destruction and seduces the family into its psychopathic criminal orbit with irresistible film noir panache, alluring sexual charisma, and inconceivable intergalactic powers.

Twelve-year-old genius daughter, Mike Devine, figures out fast that Alan/Veronica’s plan is to implode the planet. Can she save the world, not to mention her family? She’ll need the only armament in the universe that can subdue the extraterrestrial, and she’ll have to shoot it point blank. So it’s questionable at best.

568 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Rich Leder has been a working writer for more than three decades. His screen credits include 19 produced television films for CBS, Lifetime, and Hallmark, feature films for Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Tri-Star Pictures, Longridge Productions, and Left Bank Films. He has published eight novels through Laugh Riot Press.

He has been the lead singer in a Detroit rock band, a restaurateur, a Little League coach, an indie film director, a literacy tutor, a magazine editor, a screenwriting coach, a wedding guru, a PTA board member, a commercial real estate agent, and a visiting artist for the University of North Carolina Wilmington Film Studies Department, among other things, all of which, it turns out, was grist for the mill.

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award-winning author Rich Leder makes an appearance with this narrative, Extraterrestrial Noir. Maggie and Connie are on the edge; their relationship and finances are at an alarming state. As if that isn’t enough, an extraterrestrial box crashes into their home. It shapeshifts, showing itself as the late Alan Ladd as well as Veronica Lake. It presents itself to his family as a solution to all their troubles. The solutions are distractive, yet it manages to make them seem like the best options. Mike and Danny, the children to Maggie and Connie, seem to not trust it. Mike, the family genius, figures out its ulterior motives.

This holds a healthy dose of humor and fiction. The decisions the family makes are questionable and downright funny. Trusting the extraterrestrial being blindly was the first sign that this could go down quickly. The book's fast-paced nature manages to hold the reader's attention from start to finish, at least it did on my part. As the book unfolds, it seems to hold unexpected surprises. Leder creates a fascinating world.

[Kibet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stylish, surreal, and unforgettable

This is a wild, stylish mash up of science fiction, suburban satire, and film noir homage. The premise alone, an alien who takes the form of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake while unraveling a fragile suburban family, is outrageous and irresistible. Leder balances sharp humor with an undercurrent of menace, making the book both hilarious and unsettling.
What stands out is how the novel leans hard into noir tropes, seduction, danger, betrayal, while twisting them into an intergalactic threat. The Devine family’s chaos, especially filtered through the sharp mind of twelve year old Mike, keeps the story anchored even as things spiral into delirious absurdity. The pacing is tight, the dialogue crackles, and the tone feels like a fever dream of pulp cinema crashing into modern life.
It’s at once campy and clever, absurd yet oddly poignant. If you enjoy dark comedy, scifi that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and a touch of surreal noir flair, this one is worth the ride. What makes it especially fun is how the story never loses its playful energy, even when the stakes turn cosmic. It’s imaginative, fast moving, and packed with moments that surprise and entertain from start to finish.

[Michael Nethery · Rating 5 out of 5]

You talk about a totally out there and now here on earth crazy book about crazy people than yes you have Extraterrestrial Noir. One of the best and funniest books I’ve read in a very long time! Totally worth all the time you give up doing chores and instead reading!
And a big plus of this read is it’s done by Rich Leder.
I think it’s time for a better exploration of this nice gentleman’s books.
You really have to drive this one around the block! 🤪
Michael Nethery

[Daniel Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world is full of stories of deadly alien invasions, and there are also many notable examples of fish out of water extraterrestrial visits to our little planet. However, in Extraterrestrial Noir, author Rich Leder decides to see how well these elements play together. Attracted to Earth by an SOS sent out into the night sky from the flashlight of a suburban housewife, a quirky shapeshifting alien makes a visit to Earth to lend a hand. While this may sound like the setup for an offbeat sitcom like Alf, things quickly take a dark turn as this alien has a penchant for noir.

Once again, Leder shows off his bleak sense of humor as this twisted take on first contact rapidly devolves into a deadly trip through the hidden criminal underworld that lies beneath an idyllic suburban paradise.

The plotting of Extraterrestrial Noir is superb, keeping the reader engaged and excited to find out what crazy turn the story will take next. The story has a wide range of characters, and each chapter gives us a glimpse into the brain of the person in focus, with our enigmatic alien always being viewed from the outside without getting to peek into their unfathomably complex mind.

While the novel is fairly long, the action-packed pacing and witty wording of the writer keep propelling you over the pages, and you find yourself breezing through the story at a breakneck pace, unable to find a pausing point to put down the book and take a break.

The character development is wonderful, as, aside from the visitor to our planet and our kid genius tasked with protecting her family, most of the other characters are not what they first appear. While they may seem to be fairly normal everyday folks from the suburbs at first glance, once their onion is peeled back, their dark secrets hiding underneath are revealed.

Don’t go into Extraterrestrial Noir expecting the characters to act with reason. The novel is full of the “don’t go in there” kind of moments you see in horror films, where the actions of the characters are clearly going to lead them to their doom. However, that is part of the fun of this story, as Leder is constantly using the narrative to highlight the stupidity of mankind with his typically twistedly comedic charm.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just straight-up fun. It’s got that perfect mix of weird sci-fi and classic detective story, but without taking itself too seriously.

The writing is sharp, the humour is on point, and the characters?...Total chaos in the best way. It’s like a detective story took a left turn into outer space and just kept going, and somehow it works!

The whole thing doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is perfect. But underneath all the wildness, there's actually a solid mystery going on too, which kept me turning pages.

If you're into stories that are weird in a good way, have smart humour, and don’t follow the usual rules, this one's a great time. Just kick back, go with it, and enjoy the ride.

[Beatrice Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that feels like it’s operating on its own wavelength—part satire, part sci-fi thriller, part dark domestic comedy. Extraterrestrial Noir by Rich Leder is one of those books. It starts with a premise so wild you almost think it can’t possibly hold together: an alien the size of a shoebox crash-lands in suburban New Jersey and decides to shape-shift into the ultimate fantasy figures of a failing married couple—their beloved film-noir icons Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

What hooked me was both the audacity of the idea, but how much style and bite Leder brings to the execution. This isn’t just a quirky alien story. It’s a collision of mid-century Hollywood cool with the mundanity of cul-de-sac life, all wrapped in an existential question: What does it mean to be human when something entirely inhuman starts pulling your strings?

The Devine family—already teetering on the edge of financial ruin and marital meltdown—find themselves seduced by this intergalactic interloper, who isn’t just charismatic but intoxicatingly manipulative. Watching Maggie and Connie spiral deeper into its orbit, blinded by their desires and nostalgia, feels like a slow-motion car crash you can’t stop watching.

At the heart of this insanity is Mike Devine, the 12-year-old prodigy who sees through the glamor and the lies. She’s sharp, fiercely loyal, and unflinchingly funny—the kind of heroine you instantly root for. Her race against time gives the story its urgency, while her dry observations about the absurdity unfolding around her keep it grounded in dark humor.

Structurally, the book moves like a classic noir, but on fast-forward—short, punchy chapters that ramp up the tension with every page. Leder’s writing is crisp and cinematic, leaning hard into that old Hollywood vibe while layering it with the grit and cynicism of modern suburban life. It’s stylish without being pretentious, self-aware without losing emotional weight.

What I loved most, though, is how the book never settles for being just a genre romp. Yes, there’s snappy dialogue, seductive danger, and a looming apocalypse, but beneath all that is a surprisingly poignant meditation on choice, desire, and what we cling to when life feels empty. It asks whether eternal life (or even the illusion of it) is a blessing or a curse—and whether our own human weaknesses make us complicit in our destruction.

Is it violent? Yes. Is it darkly funny? Absolutely. Will it make you side-eye your TV next time you binge old movies? Probably.

Bottom line: Extraterrestrial Noir is a sharp, inventive, and wildly entertaining mash-up of sci-fi, noir, and family drama, served with a sly grin. If you like your stories bold, strange, and laced with menace, you’ll devour this one. Just don’t get too comfortable—because in Leder’s world, nothing is what it seems, and even a boot-box-sized alien can ruin your life in style.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t miss this bawdy sci-fi thriller. Leder spins regular doses of sex, aliens and teen heroism into an unforgettable idiosyncratic comedic gem.

Extraterrestrial Noir opens on the night of a forecasted meteor shower in suburban New Jersey. The Devine family — husband Connie, wife Maggie, brother Danny and uber-intellectual 12-year-old daughter Mike – gather in the front yard in the hours before dawn to catch a glimpse of the predicted celestial fireworks. However, they get far more than they bargained for as, hours later, a rectangular object crashes from the sky and into their home.

Before the UFO found its way through their roof and down into their basement, the latter had served as a family entertainment center in which film noir – usually starring Alan Ladd or Veronica Lake – was the genre of choice. Soon, the Devines find themselves staring at a silver geometric alien figure that shapeshifts, hilariously, into the long-dead noir icons.

As you might guess, the alien becomes Alan or Veronica to get what it wants. And just what does it want, you might add? For starters, sex and money.

Author Rich Leder, whose storied career includes staff favorites Cooking for Cannibals and Workman’s Complication, as well as movies like Primal (starring Nick Cage), ventures into bawdy new territory with Extraterrestrial Noir. The novel works thanks to Leder’s meticulous drawing of the families living in their cul-de-sac, Hope Circle. Imagine the witty neighborly banter of Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane, the sexual candor of Sex and the City and the absurd teenage heroism of Stranger Things rolled into one, and you’ll get the idea.

Leder’s Hope Circle backstories deliver a lot of sizzle (such as Carol’s two-time fling with Maggie), and seductions by alien incarnations of Lake and Ladd deliver a lot of steamy laughs (Ladd to Maggie: “I’m not eating you for breakfast. I’m having pancakes. Maybe some tequila first. Should I pour you one?”). An expert lover, Ladd-Lake knows how to push all the right buttons before uttering the unthinkable: “I know how to get more money…We rob Peter’s jewelry store.”

With the adults falling under the alien’s spell, it’s up to Mike – with a little assistance from Danny – to save them and the planet itself. Along the way, Leder drops entertaining cultural references to everyone from Bill Withers to Curt Cobain and the Ramones. The story is bookended by some surprisingly thoughtful scientific-and-philosophical insights on our place in the universe that add gravitas to the fun.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devine's Suburbania: A study in collapse


Rich Leder’s Extraterrestrial Noir is a riotous and subversive blend of noir homage, suburban satire, and speculative science fiction, offering readers a genre-defying collision of styles and tonalities. At its core lies a disintegrating New Jersey family whose precarious domestic life is upended when a shape-shifting alien entity—initially the size of a shoebox—morphs into a seductive hybrid of classic noir icons Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. What follows is not a simple tale of invasion, but a chaotic descent into psychological, emotional, and criminal entropy, catalysed by the alien’s libidinal charm and dystopian agenda. Leder’s mastery lies in his ability to sustain breakneck pacing while lacing every scene with sly cultural commentary, from pop-rock nostalgia to astrophysical quandaries.

The narrative’s tonal dexterity—oscillating between dark comedy and philosophical musing—ensures that Extraterrestrial Noir never settles into predictability. The twelve-year-old protagonist, Mike Devine, serves as the lone sceptic in a cast overtaken by erotic delusions and ethical collapse. Her resistance to the alien’s manipulation reveals the novel’s subtle scaffolding: beneath the lunacy lies a meditation on family dysfunction, individual agency, and the cosmic absurdity of existence. Leder avoids caricature through robust character development, offering each figure a moment of emotional revelation, however twisted. The alien, ever viewed from the outside, remains a mystery—its unknowability mirroring the unknowable forces of fate so common in noir. Even the most outlandish scenarios—armed robberies, philosophical digressions, apocalyptic threats—are rendered plausible through prose that balances slapstick with literary sophistication.

Extraterrestrial Noir succeeds not by choosing a genre but by derailing them all, weaponising the familiar tropes of sci-fi, domestic drama, and hard-boiled to explore deeper human frailties. The novel is at once ludicrous and intellectually layered, delivering relentless entertainment without sacrificing thematic resonance. Leder’s acerbic wit, rhythmic prose, and unapologetic irreverence make this a standout contribution to the contemporary satire thriller.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXTRATERRESTRIAL NOIR delivers a wild, genre-bending ride that fuses classic film-noir sensibilities with sharp, contemporary satire. The novel follows a suburban New Jersey family already teetering on emotional, marital, and financial collapse when an alien, comically the size of a boot box, crashes into their cul-de-sac. After casually rearranging its own subatomic structure, the creature assumes the form of the parents’ long-time noir obsessions: Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. This shapeshifting visitor quickly reveals a taste for suburban chaos, seducing the family into a spiraling criminal underworld fueled by irresistible charisma, vintage Hollywood allure, and disturbingly powerful intergalactic abilities.

At the center of the story is twelve-year-old prodigy Mike Devine, who is the first to realize that the glamorous intruder’s intentions go far beyond neighborhood corruption. Alan/Veronica, with all their noir charm and alien malice, fully intends to implode the entire planet. Mike’s desperate mission to stop them, armed only with the one device capable of subduing the extraterrestrial, drives a fast-paced, twist-packed narrative toward an explosive finish.

The novel stands out for its sharp humor and clever blending of dark comedy with classic noir style. Throughout the story, unexpected moments prompt reflection amid the chaos, and the pacing keeps the tension high. The twists come steadily, supported by strong character work, especially Mike, whose brilliance and vulnerability ground the narrative. Rich worldbuilding ties together suburban life, cosmic danger, and cinematic homage, resulting in a distinctive and highly entertaining experience.

[Akanksha S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big questions about life often show up in small places—like an ordinary family, on an ordinary street, facing something far from ordinary. Rich Leder mixes these ordinary nuances with science fiction, dark comedy, and family drama for Extraterrestrial Noir. At its heart, it asks a big question: what does it mean to be human when everything we know is threatened?

The book revolves around the Devine family, who are on the verge of emotional and financial collapse. Things start rolling when a mysterious, boot-box-sized alien object crashes through their roof. The alien, after absorbing all human history and culture from their television, takes on the form of humans.

The narrative is largely told through the eyes of the 12-year-old genius daughter, who quickly realizes the alien's true, planet-imploding agenda. The book follows her attempts to save her family and the world from the devious extraterrestrial.

The book is split into seven days of spring break, with 54 short chapters. Each day ramps up the chaos, from the alien’s arrival to a time-bending finale. It’s easy to read, with short chapters and clear writing. Sci-fi fans will love the alien tech. The book might spark debate. Some readers may not like the violence mixed with humor. Others may disagree with its message that eternal life is dangerous. But that’s what makes it bold.

This book is a story about family, choice, and what makes us human. It concludes with the message that whatever time you find yourself in, that’s the time that matters. Just make the most of it.

[Naman Pande · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wildly original mix of sci-fi, dark comedy, and old Hollywood glamour. It starts with a bizarre but brilliant hook — an alien crash-lands in a New Jersey cul-de-sac, transforms into the spitting image of the parents’ film-noir idols, Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake, and quickly pulls the whole family into a whirlpool of temptation, crime, and chaos. It’s absurd in the best way, with a pace that keeps you turning pages to see just how far the madness will go.

What makes this story shine is the way it blends the smoky, dangerous charm of classic noir with the everyday quirks and troubles of suburban life. The alien isn’t just dangerous because of its powers — it’s dangerously likable, the kind of character you know will destroy everything but you still can’t look away from. There’s humor, there’s tension, and there’s a constant sense that something is about to explode — in the marriage, in the neighborhood, or maybe on the whole planet.

At the center is twelve-year-old Mike Devine, the only one who sees through the alien’s act. She’s smart, fearless, and just sarcastic enough to make you root for her instantly. Watching her race against time to save her family (and the world) gives the book real heart beneath all the stylish chaos. It is funny, strange, and unexpectedly suspenseful — the kind of book that grabs you with its premise and stays with you for its attitude.

[Charles Magesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immersive and Suspenseful Sci-Fi Story

"Extraterrestrial Noir" by Rich Leder is an emotional rollercoaster that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The author masterfully balances romantic fantasy with intellectual depth, making the story all the more engaging.

The plot is well-structured and vividly described, allowing readers to envision the neighborhood. The social interactions and lifestyles of the families are relatable and reflect the realities of modern society.

I found the character of Mike quite likable; her genius was impressive, especially the fact that she scored the same marks on every test she ever took. I also appreciated how she couldn’t be manipulated by "genius" adults— even the aliens recognized that they couldn't succeed without her on their side.

One of my favorite moments in the book was the turnaround of Mike's family after an alien crash-lands in their home. The alien adopts the appearance of the couple's lifetime crashes, helping them achieve a romantic reunion. I enjoyed the author's direct language, which suits the story’s theme perfectly.

I was so immersed in the narrative that I didn’t even realize when I finished reading the book. I thoroughly enjoyed "Extraterrestrial Noir," and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves sci-fi action and romance stories.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich Leder’s Extraterrestrial Noir is a gloriously unhinged, genre-defying tale that takes the familiar backdrop of suburban New Jersey and drenches it in cosmic absurdity, noir aesthetics, and a hefty dose of dark comedy. At its core, the story follows the Devine family—Maggie, Connie, their genius daughter Mike, and moody son Danny—who are each navigating their own personal dysfunctions when an alien artifact, shaped like a silver boot box, crash-lands in their home. That artifact doesn’t just sit still. But what elevates Extraterrestrial Noir beyond its zany premise and verbal pyrotechnics is its emotional undercurrent. Mike isn’t just trying to stop a war—she’s trying to save her family from whatever they’ve become. The stakes are high, sure, but Leder never forgets that for a kid, saving the world means saving the people she loves. By the end, as time warps and identities blur, Mike can only stand by and try to make sense of it—ethereal-supernatural-mystical-magic being, hilariously and heartbreakingly, the best she can come up with. This is a book that embraces the chaos of identity, the terror of transformation, and the weird, wonderful elasticity of love. It’s ridiculous. It’s violent. It’s deeply, painfully human.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Hollywood Meets Sci-Fi Chaos

Extraterrestrial Noir is one of those stories that sounds wild, and somehow turns out even crazier in a good way. I didn't know what to expect with this book, but I'm glad I got to read it. Rich Leder mixes film noir, sci-fi, and messy family drama into something totally unique. An alien crashes into a suburban home, shapeshifts into classic movie stars Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake, and pulls the family into a whirlwind of crime and chaos. It’s fast, funny, and full of surprises.

What I didn’t expect was how much heart the story has. Yes, there’s a lot of wild stuff happening, like fights, strange powers, and dark humor. But underneath it all, it’s really about a family that’s falling apart. Mike, the twelve-year-old genius, is the only one who sees through the alien’s tricks. She’s doing her best to hold things together. You end up rooting for her, not just to save the world, but to save the people she loves. It’s a weird, fun, and surprisingly thoughtful read.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read—almost campy! Very Steven Spielberg meets Ed Wood. A quirky, on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read that is surely going to keep any reader invested til the end.

I really loved the daughter, Mike (an amazing gender bending name), who has enough smarts and spunk to save an entire town. There were so many almost wacky moments (ala The Thin Man series) mixed with an extraterrestrial character that is both Alf and also something far less cute and far more nefarious.

As always, I love when a book or movie can break into the underbelly of suburban America (ala David Lynch), and I think the author here, Rich Leder, does that flawlessly and with such dry wit. Leder creates an interesting and engaging world that captivates readers, while moving the plot along at a pace that allows for both reader satisfaction and enough character development that I felt invested in the outcome.

I highly recommend this read for folks and families alike who enjoy some noir with a dash of sci-fi (or perhaps the other way around?).

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Leder’s Extraterrestrial Noir has a subtle charm that’s reminiscent of early 2000’s kids sci-fi. It follows a struggling suburban family, led by their genius daughter Michelle (popularly known as Mike), who’s lives are thrown into chaos when an extraterrestrial being lands in their yard and marauds as their favorite Hollywood figures.

I must say that Rich Leder impressed me with this book. It’s targeted towards adolescents, with a simple plot and easy-to-understand writing style. However, kids and adults alike can admire it for its fun, faced-paced story and familiar humor. Rich takes his time during the first few chapters to not only introduce the cast, but give us a deep glimpse into their mindsets and histories in a way that’s deep enough for adults to appreciate, yet also comical enough for kids to understand.

All in all, this was a fun, campy, and oddly endearing read that reminded me of classic tales from the 2000’s.

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts with Mike and the pronoun her. Initially, I thought this was a bad edit, but Mike is short for Michelle, just as Connnie is a man. This is obviously a deliberate author choice and nod to gender fluidity. Putting this aside, the novel is generally well edited and written with good use of inner monologue and psychological depth.

The story concerns Connie and Maggie, who are in debt and whose marriage is failing, sending an SOS into space. This is spotted by a curious alien who comes to help. When that debt is called in the dark dealings of their neighbours are revealed. Diamond trading to money laundering, drug trafficking and links to the mob seem to be concentrated in one suburban cul-de-sac. As the chaos and the bodies pile up, a secondary alien enters the fray, supposedly to arrest the first alien. The ending allows a reset in time and the proverb that those who don’t learn from the past are due to repeat it.

[Donna Emperador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of action!

As in true noir, this story is filled with shootouts, fistfights, and seduction. I wasn't very familiar with the genre, so I actually watched The Blue Dahlia with Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake for some perspective. The author does a great job of recreating this type of tale for modern times by including beings from another world.

This book also takes on another level as it is a commentary on modern life. The protagonists in Extraterrestrial Noir dig themselves into a hole by trying to keep up with the Jones. They also find themselves numbed by the daily routines of their lives, just going through the motions. They have to do some soul searching to find themselves again.

This is a good read for those who like science fiction, noir, and have a soft spot for happy ending romance.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Leder’s Extraterrestrial Noir is what happens when sci-fi comedy, noir grit, and suburban family drama collide in the wildest way possible. Forget the polished streets of classic detective tales—this one unfolds in the cul-de-sacs of New Jersey, where the Devine family is barely holding it together. Maggie and Connie’s marriage is on thin ice, their finances are tanking, and their kids—brilliant Mike and brooding Danny—are just trying to survive the tension. Then a strange silver boot box drops from the sky, and things go from bad to bizarre in seconds.

This isn’t your average UFO souvenir. The artifact morphs into silver-screen legends Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake, offering the Devines what looks like a ticket out of their troubles. But its promises come with a price, and the more the parents buy in, the more suspicious Mike and Danny become. Mike, the resident genius, soon realizes the box isn’t here to save them—it might be here to destroy them.

Leder balances the madness with razor-sharp humor, breakneck pacing, and a surprising amount of heart. Mike’s fight isn’t just about stopping some cosmic crisis—it’s about saving her family from imploding. And as the plot warps time, bends identity, and blurs reality, she’s left trying to describe the alien in the only way she can: some ethereal-supernatural-mystical-magic being—equal parts hilarious and haunting.

Extraterrestrial Noir thrives on contradictions. It’s absurd yet emotional, violent yet tender, packed with laugh-out-loud moments that land right before a gut punch of human truth. Leder’s storytelling keeps readers hooked with one twist after another, refusing to let the chaos settle.

For fans of genre mashups, strange alien encounters, and smart dark comedy, this novel is a must-read. It’s unpredictable, brilliantly offbeat, and impossible to put down. By the last page, you’ll be questioning what’s real, who to trust, and whether saving the world is really just another way of saving the people you love.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The summary of Rich Leder's Extraterrestrial Noir caught my attention. It made me interested in reading it, and I'm glad that I did. It was such a fantastic read. I enjoyed everything, from the Devines as a family unit to all the hijinks that were going on. I found it to be honestly pleasant. The different points of view, along with having a noir twist, were great. Not to mention, the pacing of the novel was perfect. It wasn't too slow, and it didn't give overwhelming information. Leder knows how to keep a reader like me entertained and satisfied. Overall, it was a splendid novel that I wouldn't mind reading again. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes sci-fi with a perfect blend of noir. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie is meant to take over his lineage business of selling suits that had been passed down generations, but he decides to take a different path and go to university and later marry Maggie.get two kids and live in the suburbs and have a dreamy life with neighbors they have to keep up with, hosting, and sports. Everything's fine until they get into debt trying to keep up with the lifestyle.This story is so interesting and funny. I think I've found my favorite author; I'm definitely looking out for more of his books. I love how humor has been used and also the laid-back language that makes it relatable.This has definitely been my favorite book of the year so far.

[Amanda Oconnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Leder delivers a story that is as unpredictable as it is hilarious. A shapeshifting alien enters a crumbling suburban household, taking the forms of classic film noir icons, and chaos ensues. The plot moves quickly with humor, suspense, and moments that genuinely tug at the heart. Mike, the twelve-year-old genius, is perceptive, brave, and sarcastically funny. Her voice anchors the story through all the mayhem. Leder blends cosmic absurdity with relatable family struggles, creating a read that is as thought-provoking as it is fun. I loved every page.

[Jonh Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love science fiction with a noir twist, this is a must-read. Leder’s storytelling is cinematic, fast, and full of black humor. The Devines’ suburban life is imploding in the most absurd ways, from marital tension to cosmic threats. The alien’s shapeshifting antics add mischief and danger that kept me turning the pages. Mike is a fantastic protagonist, smart, funny, and brave, and he grounds the story amid all the madness. Some plot twists made me laugh out loud and sometimes gasp. This was a thrilling, unpredictable ride.

[Vivian Morris]

On the surface, this is a story about aliens and chaos, but at its heart it reflects on family, human nature, and the choices we make. Leder’s prose balances humor, suspense, and noir style with an emotional core. Mike’s ingenuity and resilience are inspiring, and the adults’ chaotic decisions add tension and absurdity in equal measure. I loved how the book alternates between dark comedy and moments of genuine reflection. I did not expect to feel this invested in a suburban family being terrorized by a shapeshifting alien, but here we are.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful family-driven novel blends comedy, drama, and science fiction to create a story that’s fresh yet relateable. From the introduction of the main character, Mike (who so happens to be a girl) to watching her interactions with her family and neighbors, and the eventual arrival of the alien that turns their lives upside down, I found myself chuckling and turning pages with eagerness. Rich Leger definitely created an engaging story that the who,e family can enjoy-young or old.

[Oluwatimilehin David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book on Amazon, and even without having read it yet, I’m blown away by the author’s storytelling. The concept is wildly original, mixing film noir with extraterrestrial chaos is pure genius. The writing instantly pulls you in, cinematic and razor-sharp, with characters that feel larger than life. Definitely a book that stands out and promises an unforgettable ride!

[Maheen Zahid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraterrestrial Noir by Rich Leder is a sharp blend of sci-fi, dark comedy, and old Hollywood drama. The story follows twelve-year-old Mike Devine, who discovers an alien hiding in plain sight.
T
he book has diverse themes including wit, courage, and sarcasm. This fast-paced tale mixes suspense, humor, and nostalgia into an inventive adventure. Overall a recommended book to book lovers.

[Sabrina Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book is how it merges noir-style mystery with social satire. Each twist highlights human nature in a way that is funny, uncomfortable, and ultimately reflective. The characters feel real even when the situations are absurd, and the humor never undercuts the deeper ethical questions. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys smart, witty science fiction.

[Jewel J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraterrestrial Noir is brilliantly absurd yet sharply insightful. I laughed out at the alien bureaucrat scenes, but i also found myself pausing to think about human selfishness, fear, and kindness. Rich leder balances humor with a surprisingly deep reflection on morality. This is sci-fi that entertains while making you consider your own choice.

[Chloe Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraterrestrial Noir is a wildly inventive and darkly humorous sci-fi adventure, blending film-noir flair, cosmic stakes, and unforgettable characters into a page-turning delight.